Although mobile phones are very efficient compared to their size, they cannot compete with the capability of personal computers. Luckily, emulation allows you to open Android applications and programs on your Windows PC, giving you the best of the Windows 10 world. A full-fledged operating system, such as Windows 10, operating on current CPUs with plenty of RAM, can function in the same way as the most capable Android tablet or cellphone. So how to open APK files on Windows 10?
There are various ways you may take if you wish to open Android apps on a Personal Computer. Let’s look at how to open Android APK files on Windows 10 PCs.
Role of APK
If you wish to use your Personal Computer as an Android device, you need an APK file to fulfill your demand.
APK files are Android app bundles that include the program’s installer. They are often called ‘filename.APK’ and function similarly to .exe files in Windows. APK Files are not available on the Google Play Store for Android users since the system handles all opening and installation. The only thing the mobile user sees is the installation process.
Using an Android mobile to acquire a suitable and secure APK file from a third-party source is possibly the most superficial and recommended method to get APK files for a Windows emulator.
There are also more direct routes. Some websites enable you to get the APK files of genuine programs, but these are ethically questionable. No one likes to introduce a little virus in exchange for free Premium access.
Also Check How to download APK from Google Play
Open APK File using Android SDK
The Android Software Development Kit is a straightforward and easy method to open an APK file on your Windows 10 computer (SDK). Like many other operating systems that operate on tiny machines, Android development is often executed on a bigger and more powerful computer instead of on a local device.
You must have the latest variant of the software JAVA installed on your PC and the Android SDK to use this method. Select Command Line Tools at the end of the Android Studio page. Unless you intend to develop an Android app, you will only require the CLT and not the whole Studio bundle.
Procedure
- Copy CLT in your Personal Computer and save it on your desired local disk.
- Open the control panel of your Personal Computer.
- Click on the system and then go to advance system settings.
- Click on the environmental variable, then select the path.
- Now, click on edit and change the previous path with this one.
‘C:\Android\sdk\tools;C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools.’
By clicking twice the APK file, you may now start an Android device. Unless you own a supercomputer, the SDK and app will take some time to install and can be a little slow at some points. Games and other graphics-intensive programs are unlikely to open, but most applications will work.
Also read
Emulator to open APK files
Using the SDK is excellent if you like to browse an app or anything. Still, if you want to use applications (mainly games), you’ll have to download an emulator.
Also Check How to Install Apk on Android without File Manager.
Emulators for Android on Windows Develop a dummy Android tool on your Windows 10 Personal Computer. You’re actually operating an Android smartphone from within your Windows machine. There are numerous decent emulator applications available, but we will focus on two of the most popular, which are:
- Nox Player
- BlueStacks
Nox Player
Nox Player is an emulator that supports apps on PCs for players who want to play smartphone games on large screens of their Personal Computer. It is not as efficient as Bluestack, but it is best for an authentic gaming experience.
- First, download the Nox Player emulator on your Personal Computer.
- Configure the player according to your choices.
- Choose the applications you wish to open, download them from your preferred source, or manually install APK files.
Nox Player, like BlueStacks, produces a full-featured Android desktop when you launch it. There is no paid membership system for Nox Player.
Bluestacks
BlueStacks is an excellent Android emulator. It does not utilize a genuine Android version, such as the Android SDK. It instead employs a customized form. If you want to QA code or soak test an app, this may not be the best platform to use. BlueStacks App Player performs admirably in all other areas.
- First, download and install the Bluestacks on your PC.
- Using your Google account, configure the settings.
- After downloading the applications, enjoy them.
Once installed, BlueStacks makes your PC work like any other Android tablet. It has almost all the standard features of Android devices. You only need to use a mouse or touch if your computer has a touchscreen to operate it. The else of it seems and performs precisely like Android device.
BlueStacks has a habit of alerting you with every notification it can hold, which may be unpleasant. Aside from that, it’s a good emulator that accurately runs Android apps on PC.
Both Nox Player and Bluestacks offer fully free working options.
Conclusion
Each of the techniques listed above will allow you to run Android APK files on Windows 10, and each is appropriate for a specific goal. BlueStacks and Nox are for those who wish to use a lot of applications on their desktop. We hope our guide will support you to achieve what you want.
